Monday, March 16, 2009

Southern Pines Horse Trials

Well, it rained. A lot.
But it was FUN! Yes, eventers are crazy. Hardly anybody scratched. Saturday was what the Irish call a soft day, I believe, just drippy all day but no real downpours.
Lina was too relaxed in dressage. I am probably the only person who can say that at that event! She was just too quiet after we started the test. She actually started doing her, "I am so relaxed I am ready for a nap" groaning sound. Oh well. She has an outstanding record in dressage, so she is entitled to one off test. We were tied for 8th out of 22.
Show Jumping- I made a unique mistake and made Lina run out in the in and out. My fault entirely. but added 4 faults and 19 time, geez!
XC was super. out best round ever by FAR! We did have a terrible 2nd fence. When I stopped by to thank the jump judge I saw that it was a pony clubber I know. Jonae from Eno. So, I had a witness to the only bad moment on course, dang!
Without my error, we would have been 6th. So Lina was 6th and I was 15th!
It was so wonderful to return to the world of eventing at that quality of competition. Ever snce I shattered my leg in 2000, my goal was to get back to doing recognized Horse Trials, so I could just go and have fun. It had been an interesting 9 years, but I made it.
That reminds me, we are trying to have a big group representing Cornerstone Farm at the Race for the Cure on May 2nd. Please email me at ncsporthorse@yadtel.net and I will send you a link to sign up. The cut off day is April 15th.
Later!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

This past weekend I attended the US Pony Club National Examiner's Seminar in Baltimore. I misread the agenda and got there about 8 hours too early! Duh! So I went to the Aquarium. It was very cool. I loved the dolphin show. However, there was a pre-school class there, sitting right behind me, with very LOUD screams of enjoyment. Ouch.
The seminar was great as usual. We saw a terrific dvd of the basic balanced seat. They showed a horse and rider, then it morphed into an animated horse and rider, then just the skeleton. It would appeal to riders of all ages, I would love to get a copy for myself.
One of the most important jobs for us is to make sure we are testing to the same level. We spent about 17 hours doing this! I can tell you, there is no more dedicated group than the NEs.
I will find out soon where they will be sending me this year. I know that I am going back to the Baltimore area April 4th for an HB.
We were talking about how when we go to do a test we often have no idea where we are actually going. We know someone will pick us up at the airport, and two to four days later, someone will bring us back! In the meantime, we will work, we will be fed and we will get from place to place as needed. As a system, it seems to be working!
Off to Southern Pines I on friday! Rain, rain go away.....

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Schedule for Winter/Spring 2009

We have already had a couple of outings this year.
We schooled XC at Tamarack Jan. 31st. It was an interesting day with THREE falls! New horse issues with all three. Megan Cullen and the beautiful Grace jumped a little too big at a cordwood pile and did a slow motion roll. Grace was a good sport about continuing and trying to figure out the jumps. Megan had to call on Christina Hoffman for a little help as she sprained her thumb. Christina did great with her young horse, Brownie. Robin Coulter has a super new horse, who took issue with going away from the crowd and tried to leave Robin in the dirt. He saw things Robin's way and I think he is going to be a fun project, very talented, awesome gallop.
Ashley Bell has a very typey, talented mare, who is a bit opinionated! Another pair to watch in the future. Ashley is a good bouncer and is up to the challenge on this mare.
Less exciting participants were Sue Evans and Levi, Molly Owens on Ditto, Tori Placentra on the borrowed Candyland (Tori was grinning ear to ear).
Next up was Hillcrest Horse Trials.
I was lucky to win on my very good girl, Angelina at BN. We have not competed that level in two years due to health issues, so we were pretty happy. Christina and Brownie also finished 1st at Novice, Molly was 4th on Ditto and Candy at N and BN. And newcomer, Cameron Evans was 6th on Levi in their first event together!
I went to the Winter Wednesday at the Carolina Horse Park last week. That is the first time I have ever ridden there! It was fun, although it was really cold at 6:45 when we pulled out. It was one of those days where you drive 5 hours to ride 45 minutes, but I feel it was a good prep for competing in the Southern Pines I HT coming up March 14-15.
I will be traveling to Baltimore Mar. 6-8 for the USPC National Examiners Seminar, and then back to put the final touches on Lina for SP. I am really looking foward to it!

Old people can blog!

Well, I have decided to add a blog to my website! We'll see how long that lasts. It will be great to update happening around the farm and with the horse that I am showing, Anglelina.